Clinic History

Woodside Animal Clinic

In 1960 Dr. Henry Raskin converted what had been a Royal Oak real estate office into what is now the Woodside Animal Clinic, at 27452 Woodward Avenue. Dr. Raskin practiced at Woodside for 10 years but when he moved his home to Holly, Michigan in 1970 he sold the clinic to Dr. John Simon who, up until then, had been an employed veterinarian at another nearby Detroit veterinary clinic.

Dr. Simon became Woodside’s new owner on February 10, 1970 and practiced strictly conventional medicine for 12 years. He then became intrigued with acupuncture and after 150 hours of study with the International Veterinary Association became the first certified veterinary acupuncturist in the metropolitan Detroit area.

Dr. Simon’s interest in alternative medicine expanded and he next became certified in spinal adjustment by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. He continues to take seminars in both conventional and alternative medicine so that he will have more options available to help treat sick animals.

Both Dr. Simon and Dr. Raskin were unique as they were amongst the first veterinarians in the nation that treated pet birds Dr. Simon’s interest in non-traditional pets now includes ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, iguanas, and turtles. Except for the addition of a third exam room the clinic’s exterior continues to look as it did in 1970. The clinic’s exterior western décor, complete with barn wood and two hitching posts will never be outdated. Its unique look seems to be very much appreciated by its clientele.

The practice has been featured in the Detroit New, Royal Oak Tribune, Oakland Press, and the Macomb Daily. Dr. Simon is the creator of the Pet Care Fair, the Vet Care Fair, and Michigan Veterinary Medical Association’s public relations program “People, Pets, and Vets”. Dr. Simon is a past president of the Oakland County veterinary Medical Association and has received veterinary association awards for his community service programs and for his programs enhancing the image of veterinary medicine.